Role in IT decision-making process:Align Business & IT GoalsCreate IT StrategyDetermine IT NeedsManage Vendor RelationshipsEvaluate/Specify Brands or VendorsOther RoleAuthorize PurchasesNot Involved

Work Phone:

Company:

Company Size:

Industry:

Street Address

City:

Zip/postal code

State/Province:

Country:

Occasionally, we send subscribers special offers from select partners. Would you like to receive these special partner offers via e-mail?YesNo

Your registration with Eweek will include the following free email newsletter(s):News & Views

By submitting your wireless number, you agree that eWEEK, its related properties, and vendor partners providing content you view may contact you using contact center technology. Your consent is not required to view content or use site features.

By clicking on the "Register" button below, I agree that I have carefully read the Terms of Service and the Privacy Policy and I agree to be legally bound by all such terms.

Amazon Announces Kindle Development Kit

Amazon announces a software development kit (SDK) for developers to create applications and content for its Kindle e-reader platform.

Amazon has announced a software development kit (SDK) for developers to create applications and content for its Kindle e-reader platform.

In a Jan. 21 news release, Amazon announced that, with its new Kindle Development Kit (KDK), the company is inviting software developers to build and upload active content that will be available in the Kindle Store later this year.

The new Kindle Development Kit gives developers access to programming interfaces, tools and documentation to build active content for Kindle, the company said. Amazon will launch a limited beta for its KDK in February.

Amazon officials said the Kindle Development Kit will enable developers to build active content that leverages Kindle's combination of 3G wireless delivery over Amazon Whispernet, high-resolution electronic paper display and long battery life of seven days with wireless activated. For example, Handmark is building an active Zagat guide featuring its trusted ratings, reviews and more for restaurants in cities around the world, and Sonic Boom is building word games and puzzles, Amazon said.

Further reading

"We've heard from lots of developers over the past two years who are excited to build on top of Kindle," said Ian Freed, Amazon's vice president responsible for the Kindle platform, in a statement. "The Kindle Development Kit opens many possibilities-we look forward to being surprised by what developers invent."

Participants in the limited beta will be able to download the Kindle Development Kit, access developer support, test content on Kindle and submit finished content, Amazon said. And those developers who are waitlisted will be invited to participate as space becomes available.

The Kindle Development Kit includes sample code, documentation and the Kindle Simulator, which helps developers build and test their content by simulating the 6-inch Kindle and 9.7-inch Kindle DX on Mac, PC and Linux desktops.

"As the leading worldwide publisher of mobile games, EA Mobile has had the privilege of collaborating with many dynamic and innovative companies in bringing exciting gaming experiences to new platforms," said Adam Sussman, vice president of worldwide publishing at EA Mobile, in a statement. "Working with Amazon, we look forward to bringing some of the world's most popular and fun games to Kindle and their users."

Developers can learn more about the Kindle Development Kit here and sign up to be notified when the limited beta begins in February.